---
title: Improvement Era
description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930.
authors:
  - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
collections:
  - periodicals
tags:
  - magazine
  - improvement-era
periodical: Improvement Era
volume: 31
number: 6
published: 1928-04
publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
publisher_place: Salt Lake City
language: en
type: magazine
reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Priesthood Quorums,” *Improvement Era* 31, no. 6 (April 1928): 516–523."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3106unse
  transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers.
  identifier: improvementera3106unse
start_page: 516
end_page: 523
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1928-04)
  source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3106unse
  publication_year: 1928
  note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1928, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright.
---

# Priesthood Quorums

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Alt matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood in this department are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. The Priesthood — M. I. A. Plan The following letter from the Council of the Twelve was sent, under date of March 12, 1928, to the presidents of stakes throughout the Church. Accom- panying the letter were printed suggestions and outlines, in booklet form, explaining the new order in priesthood quorum ac- tivity. The diagrams and schedule of meetings published herewith form a part of that booklet. Letter to Stake Presidents Dear Brethren: The preparation of suggestions and out- lines for the guidance of priesthood quorum activity has required more time than we anticipated when we wrote to you December 23, 1927; although, even then, we suggested that "several weeks and pos- sibly months" might be required to com- plete the proposed plan. We are pleased now to submit to you plans and suggestions for the holding of quorum meetings and the stimulating of priesthood work, which we think will ap- peal to you and justify the high hopes we entertain for them. We suggest that you give to the documents herewith sent to you most careful study; that they be con- sidered by the presidency of the stake and the high council and by the bishoprics of the wards in your stake; and that when they shall have been thoroughly digested, immediate steps will be taken to put all quorums in active working order, so that the work outlined may be inaugurated un- der the most favorable conditions. By revelation, the Lord has indicated two great avenues through which the Priesthood of his Church should function; viz., in study and in activity. The accompanying diagrams present, in a general way, the means through which members of quorums may learn their duty, and may render service to themselves, to their quorums, and to the Church. You will observe that the plan provides for the holding of official priesthood quorum meetings, including those of the Aaronic priesthood, at the same time as the M. I. A. meetings. These suggestions have the united ap- proval of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, the First Council of Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric, and the General Boards of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A. They are now submitted to you for your consideration and adop- tion. You will find provided an order of business and a few lessons for each depart- ment of the Melchizedek priesthood. In- structions relative to weekly ward meet- ings of the Aaronic priesthood are already in your hands. It will be noted that these lessons are directed generally to the edu- cation of members of the priesthood in their quorum duties and priesthood work. It is contemplated that outlines will be provided in a bulletin or pamphlet for a continuation of the Melchizedek quorum lesson work. When the plan Js adopted by a stake, the topics may be taken up in the order suggested in the outline. It will be impossible this year for all stakes to begin the plan at the same time; therefore, topics will not be studied on the same date throughout the stakes. Within each stake, however, there should be uniformity in quorum study. We recognize that the plans and work herewith submitted are comprehensive and, to some extent, novel. Questions will naturally arise as they are put into opera- tion. Visiting members of the General Authorities will have opportunity to an- swer questions and to make explanations as they visit quarterly conferences; and members of the Council of the Twelve, of the First Council of Seventy and of the

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PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 517 Presiding Bishopric, will be pleased at all times to confer with stake presidents on the problems which arise within their stakes. With a keen realization that renewed quorum activity in study and in service will result in great good to the members of quorums as well as to the Church in general, we remain, sincerely your brethren, THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE, By RUDGER CLAWSON, President. Schedule of Meetings and Instructions Meeting 7:00 to 7:30 p. m. Membership: At the meeting held from 7:00 to 7:30 p. m. there will be in attendance the bishopric, presidencies of all Aaronic priest- hood quorums and of Melchizedek priest- hood quorums within the ward; a rep- resentative of each part of a quorum with- in the ward where there is not a com- plete quorum; the presidency and secretary of the Y. M. M. I. A.; the ward clerk and secretaries of quorums or parts of quorums. Purpose: To receive instructions from the bishop- ric regarding services to be rendered in the ward during the coming week. These in- structions will relate to ward teaching, missionary work, special visitations, ad- ministrations, special functions, etc., and will be carried by the quorum and the M. I. A. officers to the members of quo- rums and of M. I. A. who are to perform the duties assigned. Meeting 7:30 to 7:45 p. m. Membership: All the priesthood of the ward, and members of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A. Purpose: To hold devotional exercises and to receive general instructions. The meeting held from 7:45 to 8:30 p. Meeting 7:45 to 8:30 p. m. m. is the official meeting of each quorum in the Aaronic priesthood, and of elders and seventies [whose quorum membership is within the boundaries of the ward. Where there is not a completely organized quorum within the ward, part of an elders' quorum, part of a seventies' quorum, and part of the high priests' quorum will meet as separate units, under the direction of one appointed by the quorum presidency to preside at these weekly meetings and to represent the quorum presidency in the 7:00 to 7:30 meeting with the bishopric. Where only part of a quorum meets, a record of the proceedings of the meeting and of the activities of the members should be kept, and reported to the secretary of the quorum. Meeting 8:30 to 9:30 p. m. Membership : In the meeting held from 8:30 to 9:30 p. m. all members of quorums and of the M. I. A. will participate, each one going to the group to which he or she has been assigned, according to age groups and preference. Purpose: The purpose of these meetings is to have all members of priesthood quorums and of the M. I. A. function in social, literary, recreational and other activities, through the regular weekly program of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A.

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518 IMPROVEMENT ERA WEEKLY MEETING OF PRIESTHOOD AND MUTUAL, IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS (Suggested Time: Same evening on which M. I. A. meets) Time The Group The Subject The Leader 7:00 to 7:30 Bishopric and presidencies of quorums and Y. M. M. I. A. officers. Others invited at discretion of Bishop. Ward Officers Council meeting Bishopric presiding. 7:30 to 7:45 "Ward Priesthood and V. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. 1. A. Opening exercises Bishopric presiding. Y. M. M. I. A. officers may conduct the exercises. 7:45 to 8:30 Deacons Teachers Priests Subject matter as provided under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Quorum officers presid- ing. (An expert teacher and leader in each quo- rum of the Aaronic Priesthood should be ap- pointed by the Bishopric. In this selection the Y. M. M. I. A officers will cooperate. Class leader will instruct the quorum and lead the same group during the activity period of the Y. M. M. I. A. 7:45 to 8:30 Elders As quor- Seventies urns or High parts of Priests quorums Subject matter as provided by the Council of the Twelve and the First Council of Seventy. (See Note 1.) Quorum officers or those appointed by quorum of- ficers in charge. The Presidency of each quorum in the Melchiz- edek Priesthood shall ap- point the class Instruc- tor. In this appointment consultation with the Bishop is advised. Y. L. M. I. A. Subject matter as provided by the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. (See Note 2.) Y. L. M. I. A. Leaders. 8:30 to 9:30 Deacons Teachers Priests Elders Seventies High Priests Subject matter as provided by the General Board of the T. M. M. I. A. (See Note 3.) Y. M. M. I. A. Leaders. Y. L. M. I. A. (See 'Note 5.) Subject matter as provided by the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. Y. L. M. I. A. Leaders. Note 1: Assignments to duties made to members of the quorums by the Bishopric, should be given during this period to those in charge of each meeting. Members will report on ward teaching, mis- sionary work, visitations, etc. Note 2: The subject matter provided will relate to the growth and development of girlhood, young womanhood, and motherhood. Note 3: This period will be devoted to various activities as they are conducted by the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A.; such as,

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PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 519 scouting for the Deacons and Teachers; M Men activities for Priests and Elders; social and literary work for Elders, Seventies, and High Priests. At this period the Genealogical Society may meet, as one of the groups. It is suggested that once or twice each month the M Men may meet with the Gleaners in joint session. Note 4: The Beehive girls. Junior girls, Gleaners, and those who form the Social and I>iterary group will devote this period to their respective activities. Note 5: A uniform time for dismissal is recommended either jointly or in departments. Note G: Friday afternoon and evening to be devoted to a year round program in recreation under the M. I. A. DIAGRAM SHOWING MEANS OF STUDY AND ACTIVITY Learning A Class A QUORUM A Brotherhood A Service Unit Purpose: To Give Theological Education Purpose: To Conserve Individual Welfare 1. Quorum Meeting Instruction and Fraternity 2. Visitations and Investigations 3. Assignments of Activities 4. Discipline of Members Utilizing The Church Sunday School Purpose : To Render Church Service 1. Officers' Consul- tation Meeting 2. Tendered Service to Ward Bishop oi Stake President 3. Organization o f Quorum for As- signed Service: Such As, Ward Teaching Missionary Service Recreation Finance Committee Old Folks' Com- mittee, Etc. Utilizing the M. I. A.

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520 IMPROVEMENT ERA Preparation for Ordination In order that everyone who is to be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood shall duly sense the privileges extended to him and be able to measure up to the respon- sibility placed upon him, it is vitally im- portant that he should be well prepared and willing to undertake this service. The manner in which this preparation should be carried out by the ward super- visors or bishopric is suggested in the fol- lowing instance: In the case of a boy not yet twelve years of age who is under consideration for ordination as a deacon, the super- visor or member of the bishopric directly responsible should inform the parents and the boy about six months in advance of the contemplated action. The par- ents should be requested to teach their son and encourage him properly to pre- pare himself. The boy should be advised to learn the duties expected of him and the faith, habits and qualifications which he should possess. From time to time, he should be counseled as to his habits and course of life and the various means by which he can increase his faith in the gospel. In every possible way, he should be assisted to sense the opportunity before him for spiritual growth through faithful service. In proper time, previous to his twelfth birthday, th'e supervisor should be as- sured that he is ready to receive this or- dination and thereupon should recommend him to the bishopric for their approval. In a number of wards, the candidate has been invited to write a letter to the bishop expressing his attitude in the matter and his willingness to serve. In other cases, the boy has personally expressed his will- ingness to the bishopric. If he is prepared for ordination, his name should be pre- sented before the people in Sacramental meeting, as near to his twelfth birthday as possible. If approved, he should be ordained under the direction of the bishopric in the proper quorum or class meeting. He should then be voted in as a member of that quorum. It is an appro- priate thing to have deacons, teachers or priests present on the stand, or near by, and to have them stand a9 they are voted upon. It is very proper, also, for the bishopric to explain, before voting upon any candidate, regarding the nature of the preparation which he has made and as to his course of life. The same preparation should be un- dertaken with respect to any candidate, of whatever age, before receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. Before deacons are ordained teachers or teachers priests, the same preparation should be given to them, in order that all may be qualified to proceed at once to act acceptably to the Lord in their calling. Increasing Attendance An interesting experiment in promoting attendance of Aaronic Priesthood members at meetings was recently brought forcibly to the attention of the Presiding Bishop- ric, through a visit of a member of the Bishopric, two weeks in succession, to one of the large wards in Salt Lake City. In this ward, following the suggestion of the Presiding Bishopric, the Aaronic Priesthood quorums met at 9:25 a. m., Sunday morning, to receive reports on as- signments filled, to receive assignments to be filled during the coming week and to receive instruction pertaining to Leaser Priesthood work. On the first visit, there were 15 dea- cons, teachers and priests in attendance. Announcement was made that the follow- ing Sunday would be ward conference and the bishopric desired a full attendance of the Aaronic priesthood members. The roll was called and the names of all absent members were placed upon slips in groups and given to the members present, with the request that each absent quorum member be visited during the week and urged to attend quorum meetings on the following Sunday morning. The result was 104 members of the Aaronic priesthood pres- ent the next Sunday morning. Some of the young men reported that they had not only called upon those assigned to

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PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 521 them, but had taken occasion early Sun- day morning to telephone each one, urg- ing his attendance at the Priesthood meet- ing and the Sunday school session of the ward conference. No doubt, there are many such examples that could be given. We call attention to this incident at this time, hoping it may be helpful to others who are finding the increasing of attend- ance at Aaronic Priesthood quorum meet- ings to be a real effort. It is the opinion of the Presiding Bishopric that many present unsatisfactory conditions can be overcome if the work as outlined is faith- fully followed, after being carefully and systematically planned to meet local con- ditions and requirements. Many times we fail to interest young men in this particular phase of Church work because the lecture method is used, instead of plac- ing the responsibility directly upon the members, of making assignments of work to be performed and of giving credit for work properly accomplished. Young men, as a rule, respond with a cheerful heart when given an opportunity to serve, and in this way help themselves to become familiar with and prepared to render the service required. We earnestly urge all those interested in Lesser Priesthood work to give special at- tention to individual assignments and to encourage all those who are called to Lesser Priesthood activities, especially those who seem careless and indifferent. Ten Reasons Why 'Tis well to take inventory regularly. As a reminder to presiding officers through- out the Church, we present ten suggested reasons why some persons tend to lose interest in meetings and classes and hesi- tate to attend, — a contribution to the Era from Pearl Spencer of Logan, Utah. Every ward, priesthood and auxiliary organiza- tion should check up, and wherever any, or all, of these "reasons" are applicable to us, something should be done to elim- inate them, and substitute in their stead "ten reasons" why persons are attracted to our various meetings and auxiliary classes, and thereby increase the interest and attendance. 1. "We are now fifteen minutes late in starting our meeting; so, if you will give us your attention — •." 2. "We have been disappointed in several excellent musical numbers which we announced this morning — -." 3. "As the regular teacher, for some un- known reason. is not here. Brother J has consented to take charge of the theological class this morning — ." 4. "As there are only nine choir members present, the congregation will join in the sing- ing." 5. "I have thought of nothing in particular to speak on this afternoon, but — ." 6. "The young people of today are not satisfied with the simple pleasures of their fathers and mothers. I remember — ." 7. "This modern education is the thing that is drawing our boys and girls away from their religion. They — ." 8. "The bishop asked me a week ago if I would talk to you this evening. I have been so busy, however, that I have not prepared anything special — ." 9. "This concludes our program. I am sure that you will agree with me that the past two hours have been most worthwhile. Before we are dismissed, we shall ask Pres- ident A.. President B.. and our bishop to make a few concluding remarks." 10. "I see that I have already taken up more than the time allotted me: but there is just one more thought that I wish to leave with you — ." How a Boy May Prepare for a Mission ::" The missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a great responsibility, that of carrying the gospel to every people of the earth. With this great responsibility in mind, every boy who intends to go on a mission should begin to prepare at an early date. In preparing for a mission, a boy should first have in mind the duties of this high, but humble, calling. The young boy. probably, has no other object in attending Sunday school, Primary and Religion Class 'Talk given at Alpine stake conference. American Fork, Utah. Jan. 22. 1928.

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522 IMPROVEMENT ERA than to comply with the wants of his parents. Yet, whether he knows it or not, the things he learns while attending these organizations are laying the founda- tion for a successful mission. In Sunday school he learns the first principles of the gospel, and many other things that will be of great value to him in the mission field. These are brought out by stories from the Bible, the Book of Mormon and Church history. As the boy increases in age, the Sunday school teaches him the more advanced principles of the gospel. One of the most important things in his preparing for a mission is regular at- tendance at Sunday school and the other organizations and taking an active part in all of them. When a boy reaches the age of twelve, he should be worthy to be ordained a deacon; he may then also join the Mu- tual Improvement Association, and the Boy Scout organization. At this age he first begins to sense his duty to go on a mission and to prepare himself for it. In the Y. M. M. I. A. the lessons and activities are somewhat different from those of Sunday school. The subjects taught are not all religious, but will bene- fit the boy from many other angles. The Scout department plays a double role. Be- sides the regular Junior department work, it gives a boy the training of a Scout. If a boy observes all of the Scout teachings, he is very likely to be success- ful as a missionary. The priesthood quorums give the boy the most valuable aid, in preparing for a mission, of all the Church organizations. If possible, the boy should attend all his priesthood meetings, from the time he is ordained a deacon to the time he leaves for his mission; and he should take an active part in all the lesson work. Above all, he should perform the duties assigned him by the bishop or his counselors. As a deacon, he should take every opportunity to pass the sacrament and in other ways magnify his office. Later on, he should respond to the call to do ward teaching, as this will give him a chance to come in contact with the different types of people and to learn how to conduct himself while in association with them. The priest quorum duties give the prospective missionary the best experience in preparing for a mission if he attends to them. We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants, section 20, verses 46-48, that "the priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and ad- minister the sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties; And he may also ordain other priests, teachers and deacons." He will have to do all of these things in the mission field. In the Lehi Second ward it is the prac- tice for a priest to deliver a short talk, on some subject assigned him by the bishop, at each sacrament meeting. This gives each priest a chance to prepare and deliver several short talks each year. It gives him practice in standing before an audience and delivering a talk, as well as giving him much valuable information in the different subjects he treats. He also learns how to organize and prepare subject mat- ter for a talk. The boy who is preparing for a mission should make himself familiar with all of the standard Church works. The M. I. A. slogan for this year, "We stand for a fuller knowledge of the Book of Mormon and a testimony of its divine origin," if observed, is a big help to this end. The boy should read the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. He will need a thorough knowledge of these three standard Church books in order to defend them and teach their contents to the people whom he will meet. A missionary will also need a work- ing knowledge of the Old and New Testa- ments, and should be able to quote many important passages from both. The Church seminaries teach both the Old and New Testaments, and, as they are estab- lished near the high schools, every boy should, by all means, take seminary work during his high school years. A missionary should teach by example as well as by precept. He should be a living example of everything he preaches.

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PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 523 A boy can not change his habits over night. In preparing for a mission, he should live all of the teachings of the Church in order to be able to do so when he goes into the mission field. He should keep the Word of Wisdom, and associate only with other good, clean Latter-day Saint boys who have the same objective in mind that he has. A boy 9hould also keep good liter- ary company — he should read books which will give him needed information and in- spire him to noble efforts. The prospective missionary should take every opportunity that comes his way to obtain an education. With the present school system, it is within the reach of every boy at least to go through high school. He should spent his time studying hard and learning as much as possible. since he has a great need to be able to converse with all types of people, and especially does he need a good knowledge of English, as his language will make an impression, for good or bad, with the people he meets. Many prospective missionaries arc turned back each year because they are not physically fit. The boy should keep his body strong and healthy. Good whole- some food and exercise will help in this. About the most important factor is to live the Word of Wisdom in its full mean- ing. In this country it costs approximately fifty dollars a month to keep a mission- ary in the field. Many boys can never go on missions because their parents are financially unable to send them. The boy can help himself by starting early to save. He should make a profitable use of his leisure time, keep a bank account, and should seize every opportunity to earn money with which to increase his savings. Thus, by his own efforts, he may be able to assure himself of the privilege of a mis- sion.-— Robert J. Evans, a member of the priests' quorum, Lchi Second ward. A Soul To seek for just the chance to give The best one has to others, To dumbly work, to die, to live, Is rest, if done for brothers! To keep the precepts of the heart Above all flesh desire- To humbly act the lesser part — Is love, not passion's fire! The bread wide-cast; the widow's mite: The welcome to the son; The stone uncast; the feet hair-wiped; Are nothing, one by one! But, through a life and as a whole. They count for all that counts a Soul! February. 1928. H. D. FISH.